Senior Optical Engineer, R&D

ABOUT THE ROLE Join a defense technology team developing autonomous directed-energy systems. You will lead optical design and investigations for hardware platforms, applying strong optical judgment to help deliver robust systems beyond the lab. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Lead optical design and analysis for core system components. - Drive optical investigations, trade studies, and system-level design decisions. - Specify and evaluate optical components and subsystem architectures. - Partner with mechanical engineers on optical packaging, housing, and integration. - Perform tolerance analysis, validate performance, and guide design iterations. - Lead or support alignment, characterization, and testing of integrated optical systems. - Work with vendors and fabricators on manufacturability, tolerancing, and component feasibility. - Establish practical approaches for optical development, validation, and technical documentation. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR - Typically 5 to 10 or more years of senior-level experience in optical engineering, optical design, or related physics-based systems work. - Demonstrated experience designing and analyzing optical systems built and operated as real hardware, including precision alignment, characterization, and hardware debugging. - Ability to apply optical theory from first principles and lead investigations that inform system-level decisions. - Experience with optical components and subsystem architectures, vendor collaboration, tolerance analysis, and performance validation. - Experience collaborating with mechanical engineers on packaging, housing, and integration. - Relevant experience may include high-power laser optics, ruggedized beam delivery, beam directors, collimators, fast steering mirrors, adaptive optics, or laser communications terminals. - Experience with Zemax/OpticStudio or Code V, and 1-micron Yb fiber laser systems, is valuable. - BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Base salary: $150,000 to $200,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available. LOCATION On-site in San Francisco, California.